Blog #10: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson begins his Address by saying that he is grateful for being nominated President of the United States. He also expresses his relief that there are "other high authorities provided by our Constitution" in which he can find wisdom and help among difficulties. Jefferson then goes on to say that although the will of the majority will have much influence, the minority also has equal rights which the law protects and must not violate. 

Rather than be divided by parties, Jefferson urges people to unite "with one heart and one mind." Concerning partisans, he wisely mentions that "every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle." In other words, American citizens have the love of liberty and unity in common, and although they may be divided by different parties, in the end, that common love can keep everyone together.

Jefferson says that the United States pursues equality and allows for freedom of religion that is practiced in various forms. He then acknowledges that God as has all the power, and notes that God "delights in the happiness of man here and his greater happiness hereafter -- with all these blessings." 

He explains that a wise government is also crucial because it restrains men from harm and leaves them free to pursue their dreams without taking away their hard-earned money.

Jefferson then goes on to explain the essential principles of our government: equal and exact justice for all men; peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations (entangling alliances with none); the support of State governments and their rights; preservation of the General Government as our peace at home and safety abroad; freedom of religion; freedom of press, and many more. He says that our country fought for these rights and that people have died to attain these rights. He views these principles as "the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety."

Jefferson closes his Address by saying that people may not like him at the end of his presidency and he may not be as loved as George Washington, but he will try his absolute best and would never do wrong intentionally. He says he will try to "retain the good opinion of those who have bestowed it in advance." He states that he relies on the peoples' good will and that he will retire when it is the best decision for the country. Jefferson then expresses his desire for God to guide the government so it will do what is best for the country, and that the government will highly value America's peace and prosperity.

George W. Bush's 9/11 Address to the nation can be compared to Jefferson's first Inaugural Address if we focus on the very end of Bush's speech. He says, "This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace." As you can see, Bush called for unity in a time of crisis and mentions that we can have unity because most people share the common love of liberty and peace. This is similar to Jefferson's first Inaugural Address because he calls for unity among Americans even though the divisions of political parties are present.